HTP Apprenticeship College welcomed Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely to their Riverbank campus last month, where Bob got a behind the scenes insight into how the leading training provider, based in Newport, operates.
The Island’s MP met with the Principal Rachael Randall and other Senior Managers, as well as a group of learners who are currently studying Sports and Fitness at the College.
Bob had a tour of the facilities and saw the investment the company has made into training facilities – including Kitchen, Gym and Nail Salon – to help young Island people start and progress their careers.
He asked the learners about the idea of having a University campus based on the Island, and if it would allow better access to Higher Education. Some of the group are going on to University and he was keen to know if having a facility on the Island, would it have made a difference to their choices?
Bob is eager to keep talented young people on the Island by securing a campus for the Isle of Wight and liaising with mainland universities to offer young people attractive opportunities.
Transport links were also discussed and Bob outlined his idea of working with South Western Railway and the Isle of Wight Steam Railway to improve the gateway to and from the Island. He is keen to have rail links into Newport which would provide easier, quicker access to and from Portsmouth, and beyond.
Bob heard about the continued success of HTP, with recent figures showing that their Apprenticeship success rates continue to be over 10% above the national averages. He also learned how GCSE pass rates for those retaking after school are again very high, showing the quality of Post 16 Education that HTP Apprenticeship College offers the community.
Rachael Randall said:
“It’s always a pleasure to be able to showcase our provision and I was particularly impressed with our learners who asked some great questions and really engaged with the visit.”
Bob Seely said:
“I was very impressed to see the great work HTP is doing and I fully support its ambitions to expand its higher education courses as this is something that is much needed on the Island.
The standard and range of subjects that can be studied is excellent and the college is offering a real gateway into the world of work that is important for our Island’s future.
“It was also a pleasure to meet with students who were very knowledgeable about issues that affect them and the Isle of Wight, particularly their thoughts about an extension to the Island Line. During our talk, I explained I would like to see a feasibility study on an extension and I am pressing the government to fund it.”
